Coyotes coach ordered to stay away from recreation facilities

Posted February
24, 2014

The Alliston Coyotes head coach, Joe Murphy, was ordered last week by
the Nottawasaga OPP to stay away from the New Tecumseth Recreation
Centre (NTRC) while they investigate an alleged incident involving a
minor that was reported to have taken place last Thursday afternoon.

(UPDATED FROM ORIGINAL POST): The OPP told Free
Press Online this afternoon in an email that, the tresspass order
"is due to an incident involving a minor but the cause is due to mental
illness so that's why it wasn't publicized."

There have been no charges laid, and at this point, these are unproven
allegations whose details have not been provided, or confirmed.
However, the "Tresspass Order" has been extended to all municipal
recreation facilities in New Tecumseth by directive of Ray Osmond,
Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture.

In a notice dated Feb. 21, to "All Parks, Recreation, and Culture
Staff" Mr. Osmond notes that Mr. Murphy's issues with the OPP are
linked to an afternoon incident reported on Thurs., Feb. 20.

"Effective immediately if any staff person observes Mr. Joseph Murphy
in any Town Recreation facility you are not to approach him, but
immediately alert the OPP that he is present in your location. The OPP
will respond to your call and take the necessary course of action,"
according to Mr. Osmond's notice. "This incident reminds all of us of
the importance of being vigilant and the paramount importance of
communication within all facilities amongst staff. In the days ahead we
will be working with the OPP to evaluate all of our facilities to
ensure that the security of all visitors, users and the general public
is of the highest possible standard."

Mr. Murphy, 46, was a first overall draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings
in 1986. He was later traded to Edmonton where he won a Stanley Cup
with the Oilers in 1990. He went on to play 779 regular season NHL
games, scored 233 goals and 295 assists. He also played in 120 playoff
games. He retired as a Washington Capital in 2000-01.

The Alliston Coyotes are owned by Russian interests, who also own and
operate the Shelburne Red Wings. They play in the "outlaw" Jr A Greater
Metro Hockey League, Alliston in its inaugural season. Mr. Murphy is
their head coach, though he has been removed from the bench pending the
investigation, The Coyotes are currently leading their first playoff
series over Orangeville, and can clinch with a road win this afternoon.